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Protecting Canada's plant health

Healthy plants provide us with 80% of the food we eat and 98% of the oxygen we breathe. They are essential for food security as crops and feed. Plants provide shelter, heat and even medicine and contribute to wellbeing and spirituality. They are also a pillar in Canada's international trade and economy. When we protect plants, we protect life.

Be a Canadian plant health hero! Post a shot or a report of yourself doing any or all of the plant health activities below on your social media channels, and tag it with #CDNPlantHero.

What can you do

On the International Day of Plant Health (May 12) and all year long, everyone – individuals, schools, community groups and businesses – can make a difference.

Here's how you can be a plant health hero.

Kids can be plant health heroes too!

Kids can be plant health heroes too

In this fun and interactive booklet, kids will learn about things like how to help protect Canada's amazing natural resources, what a plant health villain is, and who Canada's first plant health heroes are.

Inspect, detect and connect

Inspect, detect and connect

Invasive species damage our forests and environment. Early detection is important.

Get outside and check the trees and gardens in your part of the country. This tree check form (from the Invasive Species Centre). can help you to know what signs to look for.

Also check your car, truck, RV, deck and equipment stored outside for invasive insects or their egg masses. Capture insects and scrape egg masses into soapy water for two days before zipping them in a bag and disposing of them in the garbage.

Contact your local CFIA office if you find something suspicious or surprising. You can also report plant pests to the CFIA online or on social media @InspectionCan.

Be plant wise

Be plant wise

Escaped horticultural plants can harm biological diversity. Whether you buy or sell plants or work in the horticulture industry, be plant wise.

Plant native species instead of exotic or invasive species. Look for provincial "Plant Wise" or "Grow Me Instead" campaigns to learn which plants are invasive and harmful to our communities.

Shop smart

Shop smart

Be careful about where you get plants and seeds. Choose reputable suppliers in Canada or import them legally by checking with your local CFIA office or the Buying, selling and trading of plants and other organisms web page to avoid introducing and spreading exotic pests and diseases.

Check your packing list

Check your packing list

Arriving from outside Canada?

Always declare food, plants, soil, wooden items, seeds and animal items when crossing the border. You might think these items are harmless, but they can carry pests that can damage Canada's plants.

Make a pledge

Make a pledge

Moving firewood can transport and spread tree-killing insects and diseases. When you travel with firewood, you give invasive species a free ride.

Buy local, burn local: use local or heat-treated (kiln-dried) firewood. Sign the pledge to buy local, burn local to have your name counted as part of the growing list of Canadians who help protect our trees and forests.

Clean your gear

Clean your gear

Whether for work or play, always clean all soil and organic debris off hiking boots, vehicles, boats and gardening and construction tools/equipment before you move them to a new location.

Take the pledge to PlayCleanGo: stop invasive species in your tracks.

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